Have you seen the weather forecast for tomorrow morning? Chilly! In fact, when we start at 7am it looks to be in the mid 50s! By the time we are finishing our loop of Lillian we are talking only low 70s...with bright sunshine however so it won't seem as cold as it is...hopefully! We'll have a bit of a breeze to contend with as we head over to Alabama. Somewhat less as we head back, but we'll need a tight paceline nonetheless. Man, I'm glad I'm not doing that Tri tomorrow morning. That would be tough getting in that water...or maybe getting out?! That Bad Mayonnaise is gonna freeze!
Looking forward to our ride tomorrow though. It will be good to don the Fall riding gear. (well, everyone except Gianni Bugno and Semper Cy, they will be in tanktops and shorts!) There is something really nice about heading out on a chilly morning after a long hot summer full of hammerfests. Yep, it's just about time for LSD! (Uh...that's Long Slow Distance) Tomorrow morning may have just the right ingredients for a little LSD, we'll see. Should be a great ride. Here's the details: (also on Rides Calendar)
7am at Fish and Wildlife for the Lillian Loop. About 55 to 60 miles at a moderate pace. If you want a shorter version, you can turn around at the first rest stop. I think this is about 35 to 40 miles. Regardless of your route, it looks to be a beautiful day for a ride with the cast of unusual characters known only as the Firestone and Summit Cycling Group. Come on somebody!
See you in the morning and as always, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Some Senior Games Commentary
Several of you have asked me about the Senior Olympics in Georgia and Pensacola. Usually I don't like to write a blogification about myself or my experiences, but choose rather to write about others or myself in the third person. However, since none of you are able to follow me around on these senior exploits to other States and/or races and many of you seem interested in what happened in the races, (perhaps you're thinking that one day you'll be as old as that Vortex dude and may want to enter some races), I have decided to give some fun details of my view of the Senior Games.
First however, a wee bit of housekeeping: I would like to see if there is any interest in doing a THERAD tonight. (that's a Thursday version of the WERAD) I have had two of you contact me regarding a ride tonight since we were unable due to the weather to ride last evening. Therefore, we will have a ride tonight at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit...The first ever THERAD!!! See you then!
Now for some Senior Games commentary!
I love the whole Senior Games/Olympics concept. It gives all riders something to look forward to as we age. I'm only in my mid 50s, but I can tell you aging isn't fun. The aches and pains and stiffness, (or lack there of) is sometimes very difficult to handle. I'm not just referring to the physical deterioration but the whole psychological/emotional thing as well. Your body is going through changes that you haven't experienced before and it takes a toll on your psyche too. Through intense physical exertion, my mind begins to realize that I am actually not 29 years old any more and that I cannot do that which seemed so easy 30 years ago. My mind still wants to but my body just can't do it. It's the ole "Bridge to Engine Room; we need more power!" And the the Engine Room calling back "There is no more power!"
The Senior Games venue puts you in a competition with those who are going through similar changes as you. Everything is Aged Grouped every 5 years. As an example, the 50 to 54 year olds don't race against the 65 to 69 year olds. You race with those of your own age...that's important when you get to the "senior years." However, it can still be very competitive. Just take a look at the 5k TT times for the Senior guys...amazing! Yet, you are racing against those in an age group that you have a chance to actually win something. I highly doubt I would have a chance at a medal in a Cat 4 or 5 race. Maybe...nah! The other thing I like about age groups is the strategy within the peloton as you move down the road. More on that later.
As you know, the Pensacola Games have 3 races: 40k Road Race, 5k Time Trial and a Criterium that equals out to about a 20k race. Most Senior Games have 4 races: 40k and 20k Road Races and a 5k and 10k Time Trials. Our first year for Senior Games Cycling in Pensacola we had all 4 races. But then we started the Pensacola Cycling Classic and incorporated the Senior Games as well and therefore adopted the 3 race format that is the PCC. However, all State Olympics and the National Olympics are the 4 race format. Just a note here about the difference between Games and Olympics; all local races, i.e. Pensacola Senior Games, are titled Games. The State and National level games are called Olympics, i.e. Mississippi Senior Olympics, etc. Usually the level of competition is stronger on the State level than it is on the local level. National Senior Olympics are the most competitive...usually.
However, my pal Fred McLaughlin who place in the Top 10 at Nationals this year and raced our Pensacola Games expressed that the 3 races in Pensacola had stronger fields than anything he had seen at Nationals! Fred is an incredibly strong rider and has raced all over the southeast. For Fred to communicate that is quite remarkable and speaks very highly of our local talent! In fact, Florida is one of the top States in terms of National victories. We have very strong fields in our own State year in and year out. I haven't raced on the National level, (yet) but I have raced in other States and nothing I have seen compares to the talent we have right here in our own backyard. I have several Gold Medals from Senior Olympics in other States but could only win a single Bronze in my own hometown. Oh yeah baby, it's tough here!
And speaking of the Pensacola Games, I had a blast! I felt really strong in the Road Race. Stayed with the lead group, even took my turns at the front...until the dreaded Horse Stable Hill. Yep, got dropped on that dadgum hill. I had to chase all the way in and never latched back on. Placed high in my age group though. Good race.
The Time Trial on the beach I was really looking forward to riding. I was starting to feel my racing legs again. (they had been MIA for years...one of those old things I mentioned above) I came up to the line on my makeshift TT bike ready to roll! 5,4,3,2,1...Go! I jumped on it strong cranking it up to 30mph+. As I came around the curve and started down the long slope toward Portofino I eased into a nice strong pace...I was feeling good. I checked my speed as I rolled through 1 mile and I was right where I wanted to be; 26-27mph. Still feeling good and not in the Red Zone yet!
As I approached the entrance to Portofino itself, I noticed several vehicles ahead turning and moving slowly in my lane. I was getting a bit anxious as I moved ever closer to rear of the last car. Finally, I had to let up...even applied the brakes until they moved towards the center allowing me to pass on the right. I quickly got back in my tuck position and tried to get back up to speed. I passed the 1 mile to go marker at what I thought was 4 minutes 36 seconds. (frankly it was hard to see in the dark) I had finally got back up to the 26-27mph speed. I really pressed hard on the final 1/2 mile or so. I remember looking down and seeing 28mph, then 29mph...crossed the line in what I thought was a really good time, (for me) and it was! I had broken 7 minutes for the first time ever in a 5k TT. I recorded a 6:57! Good enough for a Bronze Medal!
The next morning I awoke to a very lethargic body and mind. I wasn't feeling very strong at all. In fact, I usually ride down to the race from my house...I am ashamed to tell you, I drove my car down there. I just wasn't feeling it. However, I mounted the custom Lynskey titanium machine and started to warm up. (this is some more of that old guy stuff) Man, I was so tired I just wanted to go back to bed! But, I didn't, I kept riding. Little by little I started to feel the life come back into the legs. "Ah, there you are!" I remembered thinking. Now, how will you guys do on this fast course? Hmmm...
Well, everything was running late for the start of the Crit and it seemed I warmed up 3 different times. However, I'm glad I did! When the race started, it was hammer down! I only looked twice, but both times we were 27mph+! Amazingly fast race. After about 6 or 7 laps the pace was starting to settle in a bit. I was in the lead group paceline about 6 to 8 guys back as we were coming into the corner at the back of the course. We were lapping a rider. Just as we were entering the corner, so was he. The first few guys got through before the lapped rider cut across the corner causing a few of us to hit the brakes or hit the floor. I chose the former. So did Keith DuBose who was right on my wheel. By the time we got back up to speed, the lead group had a good 50 meters on us. We tried for several laps to latch back on but to no avail. They had way too much horsepower up there and just kept pulling away with each lap. However, I did finish 4th in my age group. Good fun and great race!
I think I finished 9th overall. I'm not sure actually because the timing company has changed the standings 3 times that I know of. However, in my age group I have a 3rd place (Bronze), a 4th place and a 5th place. All qualify for the Florida State Senior Olympics! And this year, I think I just may head down there and see how I do against the big boys! It's the second week of December in Lakeland. I'll let you know how it goes...
I'll tell you about the Georgia Olympics some other time. See you tonight and, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
First however, a wee bit of housekeeping: I would like to see if there is any interest in doing a THERAD tonight. (that's a Thursday version of the WERAD) I have had two of you contact me regarding a ride tonight since we were unable due to the weather to ride last evening. Therefore, we will have a ride tonight at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit...The first ever THERAD!!! See you then!
Now for some Senior Games commentary!
I love the whole Senior Games/Olympics concept. It gives all riders something to look forward to as we age. I'm only in my mid 50s, but I can tell you aging isn't fun. The aches and pains and stiffness, (or lack there of) is sometimes very difficult to handle. I'm not just referring to the physical deterioration but the whole psychological/emotional thing as well. Your body is going through changes that you haven't experienced before and it takes a toll on your psyche too. Through intense physical exertion, my mind begins to realize that I am actually not 29 years old any more and that I cannot do that which seemed so easy 30 years ago. My mind still wants to but my body just can't do it. It's the ole "Bridge to Engine Room; we need more power!" And the the Engine Room calling back "There is no more power!"
The Senior Games venue puts you in a competition with those who are going through similar changes as you. Everything is Aged Grouped every 5 years. As an example, the 50 to 54 year olds don't race against the 65 to 69 year olds. You race with those of your own age...that's important when you get to the "senior years." However, it can still be very competitive. Just take a look at the 5k TT times for the Senior guys...amazing! Yet, you are racing against those in an age group that you have a chance to actually win something. I highly doubt I would have a chance at a medal in a Cat 4 or 5 race. Maybe...nah! The other thing I like about age groups is the strategy within the peloton as you move down the road. More on that later.
As you know, the Pensacola Games have 3 races: 40k Road Race, 5k Time Trial and a Criterium that equals out to about a 20k race. Most Senior Games have 4 races: 40k and 20k Road Races and a 5k and 10k Time Trials. Our first year for Senior Games Cycling in Pensacola we had all 4 races. But then we started the Pensacola Cycling Classic and incorporated the Senior Games as well and therefore adopted the 3 race format that is the PCC. However, all State Olympics and the National Olympics are the 4 race format. Just a note here about the difference between Games and Olympics; all local races, i.e. Pensacola Senior Games, are titled Games. The State and National level games are called Olympics, i.e. Mississippi Senior Olympics, etc. Usually the level of competition is stronger on the State level than it is on the local level. National Senior Olympics are the most competitive...usually.
However, my pal Fred McLaughlin who place in the Top 10 at Nationals this year and raced our Pensacola Games expressed that the 3 races in Pensacola had stronger fields than anything he had seen at Nationals! Fred is an incredibly strong rider and has raced all over the southeast. For Fred to communicate that is quite remarkable and speaks very highly of our local talent! In fact, Florida is one of the top States in terms of National victories. We have very strong fields in our own State year in and year out. I haven't raced on the National level, (yet) but I have raced in other States and nothing I have seen compares to the talent we have right here in our own backyard. I have several Gold Medals from Senior Olympics in other States but could only win a single Bronze in my own hometown. Oh yeah baby, it's tough here!
And speaking of the Pensacola Games, I had a blast! I felt really strong in the Road Race. Stayed with the lead group, even took my turns at the front...until the dreaded Horse Stable Hill. Yep, got dropped on that dadgum hill. I had to chase all the way in and never latched back on. Placed high in my age group though. Good race.
The Time Trial on the beach I was really looking forward to riding. I was starting to feel my racing legs again. (they had been MIA for years...one of those old things I mentioned above) I came up to the line on my makeshift TT bike ready to roll! 5,4,3,2,1...Go! I jumped on it strong cranking it up to 30mph+. As I came around the curve and started down the long slope toward Portofino I eased into a nice strong pace...I was feeling good. I checked my speed as I rolled through 1 mile and I was right where I wanted to be; 26-27mph. Still feeling good and not in the Red Zone yet!
As I approached the entrance to Portofino itself, I noticed several vehicles ahead turning and moving slowly in my lane. I was getting a bit anxious as I moved ever closer to rear of the last car. Finally, I had to let up...even applied the brakes until they moved towards the center allowing me to pass on the right. I quickly got back in my tuck position and tried to get back up to speed. I passed the 1 mile to go marker at what I thought was 4 minutes 36 seconds. (frankly it was hard to see in the dark) I had finally got back up to the 26-27mph speed. I really pressed hard on the final 1/2 mile or so. I remember looking down and seeing 28mph, then 29mph...crossed the line in what I thought was a really good time, (for me) and it was! I had broken 7 minutes for the first time ever in a 5k TT. I recorded a 6:57! Good enough for a Bronze Medal!
The next morning I awoke to a very lethargic body and mind. I wasn't feeling very strong at all. In fact, I usually ride down to the race from my house...I am ashamed to tell you, I drove my car down there. I just wasn't feeling it. However, I mounted the custom Lynskey titanium machine and started to warm up. (this is some more of that old guy stuff) Man, I was so tired I just wanted to go back to bed! But, I didn't, I kept riding. Little by little I started to feel the life come back into the legs. "Ah, there you are!" I remembered thinking. Now, how will you guys do on this fast course? Hmmm...
Well, everything was running late for the start of the Crit and it seemed I warmed up 3 different times. However, I'm glad I did! When the race started, it was hammer down! I only looked twice, but both times we were 27mph+! Amazingly fast race. After about 6 or 7 laps the pace was starting to settle in a bit. I was in the lead group paceline about 6 to 8 guys back as we were coming into the corner at the back of the course. We were lapping a rider. Just as we were entering the corner, so was he. The first few guys got through before the lapped rider cut across the corner causing a few of us to hit the brakes or hit the floor. I chose the former. So did Keith DuBose who was right on my wheel. By the time we got back up to speed, the lead group had a good 50 meters on us. We tried for several laps to latch back on but to no avail. They had way too much horsepower up there and just kept pulling away with each lap. However, I did finish 4th in my age group. Good fun and great race!
I think I finished 9th overall. I'm not sure actually because the timing company has changed the standings 3 times that I know of. However, in my age group I have a 3rd place (Bronze), a 4th place and a 5th place. All qualify for the Florida State Senior Olympics! And this year, I think I just may head down there and see how I do against the big boys! It's the second week of December in Lakeland. I'll let you know how it goes...
I'll tell you about the Georgia Olympics some other time. See you tonight and, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
FULL MOON RIDE CANCELLED!!!
Sorry to say, but because of the condition of Fort Pickens Road, we have decided to cancel tonight's Full Moon Ride! It is just way too dangerous with all the sand for a night time ride.
Hopefully, we can ride next month along the Fort Pickens Road for the Gulf Coast's best kept secret...The Full Moon Ride...but not tonight! Until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Hopefully, we can ride next month along the Fort Pickens Road for the Gulf Coast's best kept secret...The Full Moon Ride...but not tonight! Until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, September 9, 2011
Well, I Got Good News and...
...I got bad news. Which do you want to hear first?
Well...
I'm waiting...
Thought so.
The road from Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach is covered with an accumulation of sand from the recent storm. For a group of 3 or 4 it would be no problem. However, with a larger group like ours, it could be a dangerous situation.
Now, you want the bad news?
Oops...I mean the good news?!
The weather forecast is for an absolutely gorgeous bike riding day tomorrow!!! Temps at start time in the mid 60s and by the time we are finishing up, somewhere in the mid to upper 70s!!! Plenty of sunshine with a slight breeze out of the northeast.
Come on somebody! Perfect weather!
So...we can't do the Around the Sound Loop. However, there are several options available to us. Let's decide in the morning as to which loop appeals to the masses. (And the wind direction) Or, we could try a new one. I got a few in the arsenal. Whatever the case, it will be a fantastic day for a ride, so come on out at 7am at Fish and Wildlife! (Please don't show up on the south end of 3 Mile Bridge waiting for the group as we may not be going in that direction.)
See you out on the road,
Bob
Well...
I'm waiting...
Thought so.
The road from Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach is covered with an accumulation of sand from the recent storm. For a group of 3 or 4 it would be no problem. However, with a larger group like ours, it could be a dangerous situation.
Now, you want the bad news?
Oops...I mean the good news?!
The weather forecast is for an absolutely gorgeous bike riding day tomorrow!!! Temps at start time in the mid 60s and by the time we are finishing up, somewhere in the mid to upper 70s!!! Plenty of sunshine with a slight breeze out of the northeast.
Come on somebody! Perfect weather!
So...we can't do the Around the Sound Loop. However, there are several options available to us. Let's decide in the morning as to which loop appeals to the masses. (And the wind direction) Or, we could try a new one. I got a few in the arsenal. Whatever the case, it will be a fantastic day for a ride, so come on out at 7am at Fish and Wildlife! (Please don't show up on the south end of 3 Mile Bridge waiting for the group as we may not be going in that direction.)
See you out on the road,
Bob
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Great Rides Planned This Weekend!
Come on out and enjoy the fantastic weather! We have two really great rides scheduled for this weekend. Saturday, we will be meeting at Fish and Wildlife at 7am for the group fave Around the Sound Loop! This 65 miler (plus/minus) will have two scheduled rest stops and will return on the beach road. Keep one eye on the wind factor, if it moves around to the southwest we may change the route to Lillian Loop or Innerarity Point. Stay tuned for updates as needed.
Sunday will see most of the Firestone and Summit peloton meeting at Springhill Road and Christmas Tree Road in Blackwater for a trial run of the road race course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. This race will be run next weekend, (September 17-18) with a time trial on the beach and a crit downtown. If you haven't registered yet, here's the address: www.pensacolacyclingclassic.com
If you are interested in riding the course this Sunday, meet Left Lane and others at 8am there!
Only one week left, get your training in now!!!
See everyone Saturday morning at 7am at Fish and Wildlife! And, as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Sunday will see most of the Firestone and Summit peloton meeting at Springhill Road and Christmas Tree Road in Blackwater for a trial run of the road race course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. This race will be run next weekend, (September 17-18) with a time trial on the beach and a crit downtown. If you haven't registered yet, here's the address: www.pensacolacyclingclassic.com
If you are interested in riding the course this Sunday, meet Left Lane and others at 8am there!
Only one week left, get your training in now!!!
See everyone Saturday morning at 7am at Fish and Wildlife! And, as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Monday, September 5, 2011
Too Wet, Ride Cancelled!
It looks like a no go for today. However, the rest of the week looks fantabulous!!!
See you tomorrow evening at 6pm and of course on Wednesday at 5:30pm for our WERAD! Both meet at Firestone and Summit. Until then, stay dry!
Bob
See you tomorrow evening at 6pm and of course on Wednesday at 5:30pm for our WERAD! Both meet at Firestone and Summit. Until then, stay dry!
Bob
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Not that riding in a Tropical Storm is stupid. However, when there is lightening, well...
Now, after studying the weather map in motion, looks like we will get a break in the stormy action around 7:30am or so. This break appears to last until 11am or maybe 11:30am, then it gets nasty again. Therefore, we are delaying the start time for today's ride one hour until 8am.
Looks like a much shorter route will be in order as well, maybe something around 35 to 40 miles...perhaps shorter. But, at least we'll get some exercise!
See you at 8am at Firestone and Summit this morning.
Bob
Now, after studying the weather map in motion, looks like we will get a break in the stormy action around 7:30am or so. This break appears to last until 11am or maybe 11:30am, then it gets nasty again. Therefore, we are delaying the start time for today's ride one hour until 8am.
Looks like a much shorter route will be in order as well, maybe something around 35 to 40 miles...perhaps shorter. But, at least we'll get some exercise!
See you at 8am at Firestone and Summit this morning.
Bob
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